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Policies of 47 Christian
faith
groups towards homosexuality

Overview:

Most Christian denominations, sects, and new religious movement have stated policies towards gays and lesbians:

Whether to allow known, sexually active homosexuals to:

become and remain church members with full
privileges.

be considered for ordination

hold other positions of
power.

Whether to allow known celibate homosexuals to:

become and remain church members with full
privileges.

be considered for ordination

hold other positions of
power.

Whether to provide a formal religious ceremony for committed gay and lesbian
couples. These are variously called union, civil union, commitment, or -- in a growing number of states -- marriage
ceremonies, depending upon the laws of the individual state.

Whether to have an active study program to reduce homophobia within the denomination.

The response of Christian faith groups to homosexuality thus cover a wide range. An individual faith group's stance,
can be predicted, based on upon their position in the liberal - fundamentalist continuum:

More liberal denominations and Christians tend to view homosexuality as a
civil rights matter; they generally believe it is fixed, unchosen, normal,
natural, and morally neutral sexual orientation for a minority of
adults.

More conservative denominations and Christians tend to view
homosexuality as a profound evil; they generally believe it is changeable,
chosen, abnormal, unnatural and immoral behavior, regardless of the
nature of the relationship.

Thus:

The more
liberal denominations, like the United Church of Christ, have changing their positions on homosexuality, in recent years, to adopt a more
inclusive stance.

Mainline denominations such as the Methodists, Presbyterians and
Episcopalians are actively debating the question. Denominational schisms
may result., particularly in the case of the Presbyterian Church (USA), and
Episcopal Church. USA. Similar splits have
occurred in the past over human slavery, whether women should be ordained, and certain theological debates.

More conservative denominations are taking no significant action to
change their beliefs and policies at
this time.

Occasionally expel congregations from their denominations over "the issue." In the case of the Southern Baptist Convention three
of their
congregations were expelled. The latter had conducted a study of homosexuality, had concluded
that the denomination's beliefs were invalid, and had welcomed gays and
lesbians as members.

All movement appears to be towards greater inclusiveness towards
homosexuality and homosexuals. This is reinforced by the more accepting
stance of today's youth. We are unaware of any religious groups becoming
less inclusive.

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As we uncover statements about homosexuality by various Christian
denominations, we include them in a new essay and link it to the following list.
Over time, we hope to add to this list so that it represents all of the large
Christian denominations, and some smaller ones. We encourage our visitors to
help us add to this list by supplying us with information from their own
denominations.

We currently have essays available about homosexual policies and beliefs by the following denominations. :